Abstract

ARIĀ

Māori have always expressed themselves through the medium of song, and the various stanzas contained within the many Māori compositions that exist are a rich depositary of knowledge, offering people an insight into the Māori world. Māori compositions are mirrors into the past reflecting the issues, language, and beliefs of the people of that era, and in many instances immortalising the feelings and ideas of the people. Such was the importance of traditional composition to Māori, that individuals skilled in this art form where held in high regard, and even in a modern context we still celebrate our revered composers.

This study is concerned with Tūhoe composition, and in particular the songs that have been composted for Te Wharekura o Huiarau. This school is located within the Tūhoe settlement of Ruatāhuna, and since its establishment a host of songs have been composed for the school to express its unique identity, as well as the feelings and beliefs of the different composers. This thesis argues that the various songs that have been sung by the children of Te Wharekura o Huiarau throughout the decades are clear markers of the children‟s identity, and by examining these songs a clear picture of the language, issues and influences of the different generations can be examined and investigated.

In addition, this study is concerned with the wider role of composition within Tūhoe society, exploring how this has developed across time, understanding the current state of Tūhoe composition and ultimately looking towards the future. This thesis will highlight many of the famous Tūhoe composers and their compositions, as well as various songs that are connected to Te Wharekura o Huiarau. These compositions will be studied with the view of creating a foundation for further work, that will ultimately support the development of a new generation of Tūhoe composers.